Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple –Meaning, Unique Features, History,Dress Code

Location

Poornathrayeesa temple is one of the most prominent Vishnu temples of Kerala . The temple is located at Thripunithara town, at a distance of 10 Km from Kochi City. Lord Poornathrayeesa is the Royal deity of erstwhile Kingdom of Kochi whose capital was at Thripunithara.

What is special or unique about this temple

This temple is unique because Lord Vishnu seen here in a sitting posture on the divine serpent Anantha with the five hoods of Ananta forming a roof over him. The three hands of Lord Vishnu is seen holding Shanku, Chakra and Padma while the forth hand is seen resting on Anantha. This is different from the normal form of Lord Vishnu, where he is seen reclining on the Divine serpent Anantha or standing with four hands holding Shanku, Chakra, Gadha and Padma (lotus). Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Santanagopala here and childless couples often come here and pray for blessing them with children.

Meaning of Poornathrayeesa

The name Poornathrayeesa means that Lord Vishnu is present here in full (Poorna) form and also as the Lord of the three Vedas Rik Veda, Sama Veda and Yajus Vedas. (Thrayeesa).

History and Legend behind the temple

During the Mahabharata period, a Brahmin, whose nine children were born dead, came and sought protection of Arjuna for his children. Arjuna made a promise to the Brahmin that he would give protection to the children and if he fails he would offer himself to fire. Arjuna travelled to several Lokas (worlds) to find the children in vain. In desperation, he tried to throw himself into fire but Lord Krishna stopped him. They travelled to Vaikunta Loka where the children were found and brought them back after praying to Lord Vishnu.

While travelling back, Lord Vishnu gave Arjuna an idol or himself. Arjuna requested Lord Ganesha to find a suitable place for installation of the divine idol. When Lord Ganisha reached Tripunithura, he found the place so holy that he himself sat there. As per the legend Arjuna requested Lord Ganesha to move away so that he can place the idol of Vishnu. When Lord Ganesha refused Arjuna forcibly moved and turned Ganesha idol and placed the Lord Vishnu Idol there. Lord Ganesha idol can be found at the side inside the inner sanctum facing south, whereas the main deity is facing east.

Many parts of the original temple were destroyed in a fire in 1920.  On the orders of the King of Kochi, famous architect Echara Warrier reconstructed the temple in 1921using materials like concrete, granite and copper which are fireproof.

Dress Code

Being a prominent Hindu holy place of worship, you are expected to wear decent, modest clothing while entering the temple. Men can wear traditional dhoti or pants with kurta or shirt in the outer area of the temple. When entering the inner sanctum men have to remove the upper body clothing. However, they can cover their upper body with cloth like veshti. Please avoid wearing lungies, short jeans, Bermudas etc. Women may wear sarees, salwars or long skirts with proper body covering upper clothes. Please avoid wearing tight body hugging clothes, short skirts, midis, and sleeveless tops when coming to this temple.

Temple timings

In the morning, the temple opens at 4 AM closes at 11:30 AM. In the evening, the temple opens at 4 PM and closes at 8:30 PM

Details of Poojas, festivals, special days are available at the temple website https://sreepoornathrayeesatemple.org/

Conclusion

For me, the visit to this temple was a spiritually uplifting experience. While you are in Kochi or Ernakulam, it would really worthwhile for you to visit this beautiful temple in Tripunithura renowned for its powerful divine presence and historical significance.

Please click on the links for relevant information if you are planning to visit following temples

Guruvayur Temple Dress Code, Special Darshan & Information Click Here

Mookambika Temple, Dress Code, and other Information Click Here

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Timings, Dress code & Facilities Click Here

Anikode Anjumoorthy Temple – Ideal Place for Shraddha Click Here

Shirdi Temple Dress Code and Online Darshan Booking Click Here